No matter where you live in the U.S., it’s been tough to escape the heat! It’s even been unusually hot in Alaska. When we talk about getting overheated, we’re talking about several different conditions. As our bodies heat up, the conditions progress.

Normally when we get hot, we sweat; that’s how our bodies cool down. We can avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. (If you’re dehydrated your skin begins to tent – you can pick it up and it stays that way – and you either stop urinating or it becomes very concentrated and dark in color.) When we continue to sweat without drinking water and/or sports drinks to replenish fluids and electrolytes like salt – that’s when heat-related illness occurs. The first sign of heat-related illness is heat cramps, which are muscle spasms. I have had these and they are very unpleasant! Some people may, in addition, get a rash from excessive sweating.

The next phase is heat exhaustion. Outside temperatures (from the high 80s and up), combined with humidity, can lead to heat exhaustion if the body doesn’t have a chance to cool down and fluids aren’t replenished. Symptoms include a rapid but weak pulse, fast breathing and excessive sweating.

The last phase is heat stroke. The elderly, small children and people on certain medications, such as diuretics, may be more prone to heat stroke. This is a potential killer. The body temperature can rise above 106 degrees and a person may become delirious. The skin will become dry due to the inability to continue sweating, and he or she will have a rapid pulse.

What To Do
For mild heat cramps, drink sports drinks and eat some salty foods to replace the salt that is lost from sweating. If muscle cramps become severe, you may need to head to the ER for intravenous fluids and relief.

What about heat exhaustion? Move to a shady spot or get into a place with air conditioning as soon as possible. Drink salty fluids (like a sports drink or tomato juice). If you’re with someone showing heat exhaustion symptoms, be watchful that they remain alert. If they seem confused you may need to hold off on the fluids. Seek immediate medical attention.

If someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911. While help is on the way, cool them down as much as possible by wetting their clothes and sponging them down with cool water. Ice packs applied to the groin, neck and underarms can be helpful. Getting a person with heat stroke to an ER is urgent since it can cause permanent brain damage.

Prevention Is The Key
Avoiding situations where you could fall victim to overheating is the best course of action. Days when outside temperatures hit over 90 degrees are perfect for heading to the movies or working out at the gym – not sitting on the beach! If you do head outside for any period of time, think ahead. Wear a hat and light-colored clothing that won’t absorb the sun’s heat. Bring plenty of water and drink every 15 minutes, regardless of whether you’re thirsty or not. If you’re doing any kind of physical activity, rest often in the shade. Along with looking after yourself, take care to check on elderly neighbors or relatives. You’ll want to be sure their AC is running or, if they’re dependent on fans to stay cool, that they’re drinking plenty of fluids and haven’t become woozy.

Be smart this summer. Stay cool, stay healthy!
– See more at: http://blog.sharecare.com/2013/07/30/stay-safe-when-temperatures-rise/#sthash.1JtKuKOc.dpuf